Exodus from Israel – Mahuta explains what the government is doing to enable Kiwis in war-ravaged region to take flight
Listen up, folks. This could be the last announcement from Nanaia Mahuta to be posted on the government’s official website before voters opt to call for a changing of the guard.
More than that – who knows? – it might be the last announcement, pronouncement, self-congratulation or speech from any minister in the Hipkins administration before he and his colleagues learn from the vote count about their prospects of keeping their jobs.
It deals with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced many millions of people in the past week.
But it is not a condemnatory statement – New Zealand’s condemnation was expressed by the Prime Minister on October 8.
“New Zealand condemns unequivocally the terror attacks led by Hamas on Israel. We are appalled by the targeting of civilians, and the taking of hostages which violate fundamental international humanitarian law principles,” Chris Hipkins said.
“New Zealand has designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation, and we recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Chris Hipkins advised New Zealanders in Israel to remain security conscious; monitor local media and stay informed of developments; register on SafeTravel and, if they required consular assistance, contact the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.
He also had some advice for the combatants:
“We are very concerned that the situation will escalate in the coming days and New Zealand again calls for restraint, the protection of non-combatants, and the upholding of international humanitarian law by all parties.”
That advice – alas – has been ignored and Foreign Affairs Minister Mahuta has issued a statement which condemns nobody but explains what the government is doing to help Kiwis get out of the benighted region.
But it is not a condemnatory statement – New Zealand’s condemnation was expressed by the Prime Minister on October 8.
“New Zealand condemns unequivocally the terror attacks led by Hamas on Israel. We are appalled by the targeting of civilians, and the taking of hostages which violate fundamental international humanitarian law principles,” Chris Hipkins said.
“New Zealand has designated the military wing of Hamas as a terrorist organisation, and we recognise Israel’s right to defend itself.”
Chris Hipkins advised New Zealanders in Israel to remain security conscious; monitor local media and stay informed of developments; register on SafeTravel and, if they required consular assistance, contact the New Zealand 24/7 Consular Emergency Line on +64 99 20 20 20.
He also had some advice for the combatants:
“We are very concerned that the situation will escalate in the coming days and New Zealand again calls for restraint, the protection of non-combatants, and the upholding of international humanitarian law by all parties.”
That advice – alas – has been ignored and Foreign Affairs Minister Mahuta has issued a statement which condemns nobody but explains what the government is doing to help Kiwis get out of the benighted region.
Latest from the Beehive
12 OCTOBER 2023
The Government is partnering with Etihad Airways to facilitate the departure of New Zealanders and other eligible passengers from Pacific countries out of Tel Aviv, following the outbreak of armed conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
Kiwis anxious to make a hasty exodus are told the details are being provided via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs SafeTravel system regarding how to register.
“The situation in Israel and the OPT remains highly volatile. Therefore any New Zealanders who can depart the region by other commercial airlines should do so now,” Nanaia Mahuta said.
“The Government will assist New Zealanders and Pacific island nationals who are having difficulty securing a commercial seat out of Tel Aviv, due to the high demand of bookings.
“The initial flight will depart Tel Aviv, in coming days, arriving into Abu Dhabi. Passengers will be responsible for onwards travel from Abu Dhabi to New Zealand, including costs incurred for that leg.”
It looks like a case of first in, first served:
“There is only a limited number of seats we can secure at any given time, so it is important that those wishing to leave, who already have commercial bookings, do not forgo those tickets for these flights because there is no guarantee a seat can be assigned.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in direct contact with those New Zealanders and eligible travellers in the region. Work remains ongoing, alongside partners, on how we can support those New Zealanders having difficulty securing flights out.”
Mahuta is encouraging all New Zealanders in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories to register on SafeTravel to receive the most up-to-date government information, and ensure all their details are accurate and up to date.
Point of Order is a blog focused on politics and the economy run by veteran newspaper reporters Bob Edlin and Ian Templeton
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